The University of Venda (Univen) in collaboration with Bela-Bela Communal Property Association (CPA) has on Thursday, 15 February organised a congratulatory and farewell function for six Univen students who have partially fulfilled the requirements for their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme. The farewell ceremony took place at Bonwa Phala Lodge, Bela-Bela. The students also received certificates for partially fulfilling the requirements for Work Integrated Learning.
Students displaying the certificates that they received for successfully completing their integrated training
This collaboration was jointly initiated by the School of Agriculture’s Department of Animal Science and Bela-Bela CPA. The purpose of this collaboration is to expose final year students in the Department of Animal Science to day to day work environment in Agricultural Sectors and industries. Furthermore, this collaboration aimed at assisting the host organisation by conducting identified research needs based on the production challenges that the organisation is facing. The programme started on 08 January until 16 February 2018.
In her message of appreciation, Ms Kgabo Mahlako, Technician and WIL Coordinator in the Department of Animal Science said that Univen chose Bela- Bela CPA because of their willingness to avail poultry facilities and train the students. The students focused on daily management of laying hens. She further added that the purpose of WIL is to enable students to apply the knowledge (from class room) in real farming situation. “I believe this will be a long lasting collaboration that cater generations to come”, she added. She concluded her talk by thanking all the partnering stakeholders for making sure that the project becomes a success.
Mr Kenneth Moloisane from Limpopo Department of Agriculture (Bela-Bela Agricultural Office) expressed that Bela-Bela CPA is the most performing CPA in the country. He added that this CPA has a different approach to business. He thanked the University of Venda for supplying Belabela CPA with knowledgeable and disciplined students. “Univen has turned this CPA into an institute of learning because we also learned many things from these students.”
Mr Joseph Mashosho from Bela-Bela Restitution Forum said this collaboration should carry on even into other generations to come. He thanked Univen for the partnership and the trust they have shown to the CPA by availing their students for training.
Belabela CPA Chairperson, Ms Jerita Mabula also thanked Univen for bringing disciplined, determined and hardworking students to them. Ms Mabula told students to go plough back to their communities the work experience that they have accumulated during their Work Integrated Learning. “Teach other students what you have learned”, she added.
Chief Director of National Rural Youth Service Corps, Ambassador General (Retired) Fumanekile Gqiba, representing the Ministry of Rural Development and Land Reform applauded the collaboration between Univen and Bela-Bela CPA. He said that this partnership is impressive and fruitful. “We came, we saw and we are impressed.” He further said that partnerships like this opens internships and work opportunities for many graduates.
On behalf of Univen students, Fulufhedzani Sibanda, a final year student who successfully completed the integrated learning programme said he was happy to be one of the students who were given an opportunity to learn. He expressed that they have learned a lot from this programme. “Seeing most of the things being done mechanically has increased his love for Agriculture.” He thanked his lecturers and Bela-Bela CPA for giving them the opportunity to learn.
Murunwa Makharamedza who is also one of the students who successfully completed the integrated learning programme expressed that she was inspired to start her own poultry business and empower other generations to come.
Mr Justice Netshipale, Lecturer in the Department of Animal Science thanked all stakeholders who participated and contributed in making sure that Bela-Bela CPA exists. He said this partnership will bring change in the lives of Univen students. “This collaboration is an eye opener for both Univen and Bela-Bela CPA and it teaches students on how to behave and treat fellow colleagues at work places.”
In his message of support, Director of Mahlohonolo Investment, Mr Barrington Mabuela, said what makes him proud about this is that the Bela-Bela CPA is 100 percent black owned and it has the capacity to train a black child on how to run a poultry business.
The company under Bela-Bela CPA (Mahlomoholo investment Pty/Ltd) have 8-layer houses with capacities of 15 000 laying hens each. This company produces about 150 000 to 200 000 eggs daily and the eggs are collected by Eggs pert eggs which grades, packages and supply eggs to chain stores like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, etc.
Students practically at work
Students and stakeholders pose for a photo behind the belt that transport eggs from the stall
Newly laid eggs from the stalls to be packaged
Chickens that lay eggs in stalls
Students posing for a photo with their certificates, lecturers and stakeholders standing at the back
Students in their work suits
Executive Committee of Bela-Bela CPA
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 16 February 2018
